Later Season Dates Shake Up Deer Hunting in Southeast Wyoming

Hunters headed to southeast Wyoming this fall will want to double-check their calendars — some deer seasons are starting later than usual. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says it’s making the shift after years of feedback from hunters and landowners who wanted less crowding and better timing.

Here’s the big change:

• Deer Hunt Areas 15, 59, and 64 — plus Type 2 and Type 6 licenses in Areas 59 and 64 — will now run Oct. 20–31.

• These areas fall in nonresident Regions T and J.

In the past, Area 15 opened Oct. 1–14, followed by Areas 59 and 64 Oct. 15–31. That staggered schedule sent hunters hopping from one area to the next, often leading to jam-packed public lands.

“Some of these dates haven’t changed in more than 30 years,” said Laramie District Biologist Keaton Weber, who used to work in the Wheatland district. “But after talking to a lot of hunters and landowners, it was pretty clear it was time to try something different.”

By shifting the dates later, Game and Fish hopes to line up the season with the start of the rut and cooler fall weather — a combo that could boost success rates. The overlap with neighboring hunt areas should also give hunters more options without everyone piling into the same spots at once.

On top of that, Hunt Area 15 (Region T) is a priority herd for chronic wasting disease testing this year. Hunters who tag a deer there are encouraged to submit a sample to help with ongoing monitoring and management of CWD.

Full details are in the 2025 Hunting Regulations, and hunters can check the Game and Fish CWD webpage for more info on how to submit samples.

Looks like this season could bring cooler weather, more deer activity — and hopefully, a little more elbow room in the field.

The original story by Floyd Whiting for Sheridan Media.